Shelia Ransom Jenkins

Licensed Social Worker

My Biography

Shelia Ransom Jenkins is a dedicated and accomplished Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a robust background in criminal justice and social work. She holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice and a Master of Social Work from Mississippi Valley State University, as well as a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in Social Welfare from Delta State University, and an Associate of Arts Degree in Social Work from Coahoma Community College.

With extensive experience in various mental health, educational, and correctional settings, Shelia has honed her skills as a therapist, intake coordinator, school attendance officer, and clinical director. Her approach to counseling is deeply client-centered, integrating techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), with a strong emphasis on trauma-informed care and cultural competency. She is committed to advocating for marginalized populations and promoting social justice in her practice of mental health.

Licensed across multiple states, including Rhode Island, Illinois, Missouri, Michigan, Utah, Louisiana, and North Carolina, Shelia is passionate about providing compassionate and ethical care to her clients, always striving to empower them to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.

My Education and Credentials

  • Master of Science in Criminal Justice and Master of Social Work –
    Mississippi Valley State University, Itta Bena, MS
  • Bachelor of Criminal Justice with a Minor in Social Welfare – Delta State University, Cleveland, MS
  • Associate of Arts Degree: Social Work – Coahoma Community College,

Providing services in:

Illinois

I’m available:

Telehealth

I work with:

Adults 18+

Children 13+

Individual Counseling Only

My Approach to Counseling

Entails creating an environment where clients feel safe to open up and express their feelings and thoughts, show empathy, active listening, and validate the client’s experiences, help clients set goals and work towards achieving them, client-centered and tailored to each client’s unique needs, establish clear boundaries and maintain professionalism throughout the counseling sessions, always aim to promote self-awareness and self- esteem in their clients.

My Areas of Focus

  • Techniques and principles of Child and Family development
  • Family systems theory
  • Crisis therapy intervention
  • Individual, family, group and play therapy
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Trauma response, child abuse, family violence anxiety, depression, bipolar, psychosis,
  • LGBTQ, Grief counseling, Stress management and Behavioral modification

My Professional Experience

Shelia Ransom Jenkins has a diverse and impactful professional background in social work, criminal justice, and mental health services. Her experience spans various roles, each contributing to her comprehensive understanding of client care and advocacy.

Therapist:

Clinical Expertise: Shelia has provided therapeutic services in multiple settings, including mental health clinics, educational institutions, and private practice. Her work involves conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, and offering individual and group therapy sessions.

Specializations: She has a strong focus on trauma-informed care, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and solution-focused brief therapy, tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.

Intake Coordinator:

Client Assessment: As an intake coordinator, Shelia has been responsible for initial client assessments, determining their needs, and coordinating appropriate services. Her role involved working closely with clients to ensure they receive the best possible care and support.

Clinical Director in a Correctional Facility:

Leadership and Administration: Shelia has served as a Clinical Director in a correctional facility, where she was responsible for overseeing mental health services for incarcerated individuals. Her work involved supervising clinical staff, developing treatment programs, and ensuring that services met the complex needs of the population.

Advocate and Social Justice Promoter:

Cultural Competency: Throughout her career, Shelia has been committed to advocating for marginalized populations, promoting social justice, and ensuring that her practice is culturally competent and inclusive. She has worked with diverse communities, focusing on empowering individuals and addressing systemic barriers to equity. Shelia’s professional journey reflects her commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care across various settings. Her diverse experiences have equipped her with the skills and insights necessary to address complex mental health issues and advocate for her clients’ well-being.

School Attendance Officer:

Educational Support: In this role, Shelia worked within educational systems to address student attendance issues. She collaborated with families, educators, and community resources to identify barriers to attendance and develop strategies to improve student engagement and success.

Licensure and Multistate Practice:

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Rhode Island
Licensed Master Level Social Worker (LMSW) in Illinois, Missouri, and Michigan
Certified Social Worker (CSW) in Utah and Louisiana
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA) in North Carolina